The Angamaly municipality in Kochi has decided to provide financial assistance to victims injured in a stray dog attack that occurred across the town on Saturday. The decision was made during an emergency council meeting held at the municipality at 2:00 PM on Monday.
Compensation Details
Municipality chairperson Reetha Paul announced that the local body would provide Rs 5,000 each as temporary relief to those injured. The municipality reported that 18 people claimed to have been bitten by the rabid dog, revising the earlier figure of 13 victims.
Source of Funds
The compensation amount will be disbursed from the chairperson’s disaster relief fund, as the municipality does not have a dedicated compensation fund for such emergencies. According to Paul, the disaster relief fund consists of donations received from various individuals, including municipality staff, and will be used to support the victims.
Preventive Measures
The council also decided to strengthen awareness among those injured about the importance of completing the anti-rabies vaccination schedule. Officials emphasized that all victims must take four doses of the vaccine to prevent complications. To ensure timely vaccination and proper medical guidance, awareness sessions led by the medical superintendent will be organized at the taluk hospital in Angamaly on Tuesday. These sessions will focus on vaccination schedules, follow-up care, and precautions after dog bites.
Expert Dog-Catching Team
The council resolved to bring in an expert dog-catching team in coordination with the animal husbandry department. Municipality officials stated that the team is expected to arrive within a week to begin dog-catching and vaccination measures in the town.
Incident Details
The stray dog attacked people at several locations in Angamaly, including the East Church area, Basilica Junction, Jospuram-Paliyekkara, Nazareth Nagar, and the railway station premises, triggering widespread concern among residents.
